Immigration Enforcement (E.O. 14159)

Summary

Increases the enforcement of immigration laws to remove people who are in the country illegally and cancels previous immigration policies.

What problem does this solve?

The previous administration's policies led to a large increase in illegal immigration, creating threats to national security and public safety. This order directs the government to strictly enforce all immigration laws to protect the American people.

What does this order do?

Revokes previous immigration executive orders

Cancels four executive orders from the previous administration related to civil immigration enforcement, managing migration, and reunifying families.

Establishes Homeland Security Task Forces

Creates joint task forces in every state to end the presence of criminal cartels, gangs, and human smuggling networks.

Takes action against 'sanctuary' jurisdictions

Directs federal agencies to find ways to deny federal funds to cities and states that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Expands detention of removable aliens

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to use all available resources to build or find facilities to detain people who are apprehended for immigration violations.

Authorizes state and local police to act as immigration officers

Encourages agreements that allow state and local law enforcement to investigate, apprehend, and detain people for federal immigration violations.

Reviews and pauses funding for non-governmental organizations

Orders a review of all federal funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that support or provide services to removable or illegal aliens, and pauses payments during the review.

Prioritizes prosecution of immigration offenses

Directs the Attorney General to make prosecuting crimes related to unauthorized entry or presence in the U.S. a top priority.

Reestablishes the VOICE office

Directs ICE to bring back an office dedicated to providing services to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens.

Restricts parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Instructs agencies to use parole authority only on a case-by-case basis for urgent reasons and to limit the use of Temporary Protected Status.

Who does this affect?

Immigrants without legal status
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that support immigrants

What is the real world impact?

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Could be seen as overly aggressive

Critics may argue that the order uses harsh language like 'invasion' to justify strict measures, potentially leading to widespread detentions and removals without enough individual review, and could be seen as punishing cities for their local law enforcement priorities.

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Discourages 'sanctuary' policies

Pressures states and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold federal funding, aiming to ensure nationwide compliance with federal immigration laws.

When does this start?

This order becomes effective immediately on January 20, 2025, and includes a specific deadline for one report.

Report on Fines and Penalties

Within 90 days of the order, the Secretaries of the Treasury and Homeland Security must submit a report on their progress in collecting fines from aliens unlawfully present in the U.S.